F.A.Q.

We have a test report for 430TB in which test cycles are done under water (1 meter) during a period of 3 weeks.

Of course it is very important to pay the necessary attention and care during the installation in relation to the water tightness.

If the cable has a copper wire screen, you have to put MWS (Mastic for Water Sealing) and make sure to push the screen wires in the mastic (without overlapping the wires), as described in the installation instruction).

EPDM rubber is used for more than 40 years for the injection moulding of separable connectors, of which many millions of units are installed worldwide. Used as insulating as well as semi-conductive (outer layer and insert) the EPDM material has acquired an exceptional track record for service reliability under the most severe circumstances. In comparison with other materials like silicone rubber, today still more than 95% of the separable connectors produced, are in EPDM material.

EPDM connectors are used in MV applications from 3,6/6kV up to 20,8/36kV (42kV) on switchgear, transformers, motors etc… for indoor as well as outdoor and in HV applications up to 220kV together with outer cone bushings.

The following advantages are making EPDM material the best choice for producing separable connectors:

3 mm thick semi-conductive outer screen that is highly resistant to mechanical damage. No need for a metal cover which even decreases safety in case of short circuit, because of ejection of metal parts.

The earth connection to the EPDM semi-conductive screen is consistent over the lifetime of the connector. EPDM material does not have evaporating components that set on to the surface, reducing or interrupting the earth contact.

EPDM separable connectors comply fully with the requirements of the Cenelec standard 629.1 regarding the screen fault current initiation test even at low operating voltage of 6/10kV.

No problems when EPDM connectors need to be disconnected, even after many years in service. The silicone grease applied, remains on the connector/bushing interface and does not dissolve into the EPDM material. Silicone connectors are sticking to the bushing interface since the grease is absorbed into the material, leaving the bushing/connector interface dry and impossible to disconnect.

EPDM connectors are mechanically more stable and easier to install on the bushing.

Through continuous adaptation of the EPDM material and the connector designs, the connectors are more range taking and more easy to install than other connectors.

It is clearly proven that EPDM material for separable connector technology, like silicone rubber for termination technology, has incontestable advantages over other materials.